Requesting The Tax Review Commission To Identify Possible Means By Which The Hawaii Long-term Care Financing Program Can Be Implemented.
Summary
SCR33 is a Senate Concurrent Resolution that asks Hawaii’s Tax Review Commission to study how the State’s long-term care financing program could actually be implemented. The resolution points to Act 245 (2002), which created the Hawaii Long-Term Care Financing Program and established its policy framework, but left key details unresolved, especially how the program would be funded and administered. It directs the commission to examine possible implementation options, financing mechanisms, and costs, and to consider a revised version of a previously proposed long-term care income tax credit.
The resolution also asks the commission to use prior legislative and executive branch findings, including a 1991 report on financing long-term care, and to deliver recommendations and any proposed legislation to the Legislature before the 2026 regular session. In practical terms, SCR33 does not itself create a tax, benefit program, or regulatory change; instead, it initiates a policy study that could lead to future legislation affecting long-term care financing, insurance, Medicaid coordination, and state tax policy.
Impact
SCR33 does not amend the Hawaii Revised Statutes or directly change benefits, taxes, or eligibility rules. Its legal effect is to formally request a study and report from the Tax Review Commission regarding implementation of chapter 346C, Hawaii Revised Statutes, and possible financing tools such as a long-term care income tax credit. The resolution could influence future legislation by generating recommendations on funding mechanisms, administrative costs, and program design for long-term care coverage for eligible Hawaii residents.
Sentiment
The available vote history suggests generally favorable sentiment toward the resolution. The Senate Health and Human Services Committee passed the measure with amendments by a 4-0 vote, indicating broad support for studying long-term care financing. The bill text itself frames the issue as an unresolved but important policy goal, emphasizing universal and affordable long-term care and the need to identify a workable funding structure.
Contention
The main point of contention is not whether long-term care financing is desirable, but how it should be paid for and implemented. The resolution highlights that the original 2002 framework left financing undecided and references a prior long-term care income tax credit proposal that was vetoed, suggesting tax-based financing may be politically or fiscally sensitive. Any future recommendations from the Tax Review Commission may draw scrutiny from policymakers concerned about tax burdens, state costs, Medicaid interactions, and the administrative complexity of launching a statewide long-term care program.
A resolution to direct the Clerk of the House of Representatives to only present to the Governor enrolled House bills finally passed by both houses of the One Hundred Third Legislature.
Relating to nonsubstantive additions to, revisions of, and corrections in enacted codes, to the nonsubstantive codification or disposition of various laws omitted from enacted codes, and to conforming codifications enacted by the 88th Legislature to other Acts of that legislature.